Damiana
Damiana

Background

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine.

Damiana contains chemicals that might improve stomach health and reduce ulcers. It might also have effects like an aphrodisiac.

People use damiana for depression, indigestion, obesity, sexual dysfunction, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Damiana is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Side effects seem to be rare.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if damiana is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Damiana might affect blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using damiana at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using damiana for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of damiana might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Damiana might lower blood sugar levels. Taking damiana along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Damiana might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 03/10/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 09/09/2020 22:25:23. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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